Volunteer Services For Seniors in Peter Borough County - Background Report

Services for Seniors in Peterborough County:
Background Report for the Volunteer Caregiving in the Countryside Project
Timothy Shah, Honours BA Student

Environmental and Resource Studies
Trent University
Mark Skinner, PhD

Department of Geography
Trent University
October 2008
Department of Geography, Trent University

Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
Acknowledgements
________________________________________________________________________
The Volunteer Caregiving in the Countryside project (2007-2010) is based out of the
Department of Geography at Trent University and is funded by the Social Sciences and
Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC Standard Research Grant No. 410-
2007-0597).
The Services for Seniors in Peterborough County: Background Report for the Volunteer
Caregiving in the Countryside Project is available as an open-access, electronic PDF file
to be downloaded from www.trentu.ca/academic/geography/MSkinnerPage.html.
For more information, please contact: Dr. Mark W. Skinner

Assistant Professor
Department of Geography
Trent University
1600 West Bank Drive
Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8
tel: (705) 748 1011 ext. 7946
fax: (705) 748 1205
e-mail: markskinner@trentu.ca
web: www.trentu.ca/geography.
Table of Contents
________________________________________________________________________
Page Number
1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 Volunteer Caregiving in the Countryside project 3

1.2 Profile of Peterborough County 3
2.0 Sources of Background Research 4
3.0 Baseline Information on Volunteer Services for Seniors 5
3.1 Service Providers and Services Backgrounds 5

3.2 Changing Service Context 7
3.3 Financial Support 10
4.0 Overview of General Challenges and Issues 11
4.1 Issues around Geographic Location 13

4.2 Funding and Staffing Issues 13
5.0 Summary and Concluding Comments 14
References 16
Appendix 1 Database of Organizations Providing Services for Seniors 17
i
1.0 Introduction
________________________________________________________________________
Volunteerism in rural and small town Canada is a complex and, until recently, ill-defined
phenomenon. More specifically, little is known about volunteerism as it relates to
caregiving and providing support for rural seniors (e.g., see Skinner et al., 2008).
According to Statistics Canada (2006), Canada’s senior population, persons aged 65 and
older, is now at 4.3 million. The number of people aged 55-64 amounts to 3.7 million, or
13.7 percent of the total population. Peterborough County, the focus of this research, has
one of the highest proportions of senior population groups in all of Canada; with its 65
and over age bracket constituting 19 percent of the county’s population (Statistics
Canada, 2006). As the ‘baby boomers’ near the age of retirement, the demand for health,
housing and social services will rise placing more pressure on the community to
accommodate a growing population. Already, community-based groups and non-profit
organizations play an important role in Peterborough as they create outreach programs,
provide services and activities to meet the needs of the community.
Non-profit organizations and community groups, which are generally considered as

comprising the ‘voluntary sector’, play a vital role for the social and economic quality of
life in Peterborough County. Many of the programs and services they administer would
not be possible without the contribution of volunteers. In Ontario, the overall number of
volunteers reported by organizations is 7.8 million, representing 400,000 board
volunteers and 7.4 million non-board volunteers (Scott et al., 2006). Forty percent of all
volunteers are engaged with Ontario voluntary organizations (Scott et al., 2006). As this
report will illustrate, funding shortages from government agencies are principally
affecting employment for these non-profit organizations and community groups.
Consequently, there is an increasing reliance on volunteerism to meet the gaps in
services. While there appears to be a solid foundation of volunteers for these
organizations and groups, it is becoming progressively more difficult to sustain them and
their services because of funding shortages, lack of resources, inadequate training
exercises for volunteers and, recently, the impact of rising gas prices making
transportation more burdensome for the volunteers (Skinner, 2008).
As reported in the literature, Executive Directors, Presidents, CEO’s and volunteer

coordinators in charge of these organizations face numerous challenges surrounding the
number of personnel including paid staff and volunteer staff; however, funding shortages
and fiscal restraints appear to be the most prominent issue (e.g., Jenson & Phillips, 2000).
Consequently, these service providers will often have more difficulty retaining and
keeping their paid staff and volunteers because fiscal resources are so limited. Indeed,
over the past ten years, there has been a larger dependence on volunteers to meet the gaps
in health and social care. Lack of funding is problematic because it creates disconnected
and fractious communities (Eakin, 2007). Non-profit organizations can run into
challenges unable to respond effectively to emerging community needs. Moreover,
funding and program restrictions often impede collaboration and partnership processes
when organizations attempt to connect and build healthy, sustainable communities
(Eakin, 2007).
1
To help address these issues, and with a specific focus on the empirical case of services
for seniors in Peterborough County, Ontario (Figure 1.1), this report will identify the
general dimensions of change from the mid 1990s to 2007 concerning health and social
care agencies, provider organizations and community groups. Following an overview of
the research purpose, context and sources of information, the report is organized
according to the major themes that set the backdrop for understanding service availability
in the Peterborough area (i.e., service providers and services background; the changing
service context; financial support; issues around geographic location; and funding and
staffing issues). Ultimately, the descriptive findings from the report will lead to a better
understanding of the issues surrounding volunteerism and, in setting the foundation for
future work, establish informed policy in ageing, volunteerism, health and social care in
rural and smaller urban centres in Ontario.
Figure 1.1 Map of the County of Peterborough
2
1.1 Volunteer Caregiving in the Countryside Project
This report is part of a larger project called Volunteer Caregiving in the Countryside
(2007-2010) led by Dr. Mark Skinner of the Department of Geography at Trent
University. Funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
and approved by the Trent University Research Ethics Board, the purpose of the 3-year
SSHRC project is to examine the role of volunteerism in addressing the gap in public
services in rural and small town settings in Ontario. Using the case of services for older
people (or ‘seniors’), the project focuses on the experiences of individual volunteers and
caregivers in Peterborough County, where like other parts of the province, extensive
restructuring of health and social services has been underway since the 1990s (e.g., see
Baranek et al., 2004). This ‘background report’ provides a historical context to the
volunteer services for seniors, and addresses contemporary challenges and issues
surrounding volunteerism in Peterborough County, thereby setting the foundation for
understanding the experiences of individual volunteers and informal caregivers and
validating their coping strategies. The report sets the foundation for the subsequent
phases of the Volunteer Caregiving in the Countryside project, which involve in-depth
analyses of volunteerism through surveys, focus groups and interviews with volunteers
and informal caregivers in Peterborough County.
1.2 Profile of Peterborough County
Peterborough’s population is growing and changing rapidly. The current population of

Peterborough County is 133,080 (Statistics Canada, 2006). The population of
Peterborough County like many regions in Southern Ontario or more informally the
Windsor-Quebec City corridor has experienced dramatic changes since the mid 1990s.
From 2001 to 2006, the population of Ontario increased 6.6 percent. Peterborough
County experienced a similar trend, as its population change was a 5.7 percent increase in
that five-year period (Statistics Canada, 2006). However, this 5.7 percent population
increase can be attributed to an influx of seniors and retirees along with an aging
population in general. Peterborough County is a popular retirement community and
therefore attracts seniors and retirees from other Ontario cities, communities and
townships. Currently, 84.6 percent of the population is aged 15 and over (Statistics
Canada, 2006).
The proportion of Peterborough County’s senior population is rising at an unprecedented

rate; there are 24,730 individuals aged 65 years and over living in the county, which
constitutes 19 percent of the total population. The median age of the population in
Ontario was reported as 39 years of age in 2006, the median age in Peterborough County
was 43.6 years (Statistics Canada, 2006). As shown in Figure 1.2, the largest proportion
of the population is 45 to 49 years old in the county, while those aged 50 to 54 and 55 to
59 also account for a large percentage. Combining these age groups in aggregate sum
amounts to 30,797; comprising 23 percent of the county’s population (Statistics Canada,
2006). In combining the 65 years age bracket (24, 730) with the latter age bracket
(30,797), the total is 55,527, or 42 percent of the county’s population. This demographic
trend has important implications and suggests that the county is witnessing an aging
3
population. With an aging population and with the baby boom generation nearing the age
of retirement, those aged between 45 and 59 years will join the older populace thereby
increasing the county’s total senior population. The median age is 43.6 years and is
projected to increase. Such demographic trends portend that retirement communities like
Peterborough County, will experience a greater influx of seniors and retirees as the
population of the province expands. This will have profound implications in altering the
demographics of the county potentially increasing the median age and senior population
as a whole, and creating pressure for existing services.
Figure 1.2. Age Characteristics for Both Sexes in Peterborough County

(Statistics Canada, 2006)
2.0 Sources of Background Research

________________________________________________________________________
This report on volunteer services for seniors in Peterborough features a mix of research
techniques used to gather background information. The purpose is to develop the
foundation for understanding of how these services and organizations are coping with the
increased reliance of volunteerism to meet gaps in formal health and social care in small
town settings. Furthermore, the goal of this report is to explore in general terms how
these services can better support seniors, families and members of the community in rural
and small town settings.
The analysis is based on the collection and analysis of secondary information from
community services directories, health and social care agencies and organizations, and
community groups serving Peterborough County. Sources of secondary data was also
collected through communication with community leaders, service providers and
4
volunteer coordinators in the Peterborough area. The principal data source was the 2007-
2008 Community Information Handbook also known as the Blue Book (United Way of
Peterborough and District, 2007), and ‘fourinfo.com’, an electronic and more
comprehensive and accessible version of the Blue Book. Other data sources include
websites, electronic documents, annual reports and newsletters.
The majority of the organizations featured in this research provide services to all
members of the community. However, the more age specific organizations typically
listed their clientele as 50 years of age and above. Therefore, for research purposes, the
organizations that were used for this study served the community, persons aged 50 plus,
and persons over the age of 65.
A database of agencies, organizations and groups providing services for seniors in

Peterborough County is included as Appendix 1.
3.0 Baseline Information on Volunteer Services for Seniors

________________________________________________________________________
The results of the analysis will be broken into major themes. The first theme is the
background information on the service providers; this includes the organization type
(non-profit, community-based group, government agencies, private businesses, etc.) and
also presents their main service delivery for seniors (Advocacy, Education, Housing,
etc.). The second theme covers the changing ability of organizations to provide services
and the changes in service delivery; this includes organizations that have had staff cuts,
funding decreases, and increased demand for services. The third theme looks at financial
support and provides an overview of the main source of funding for these service
providers. Themes four and five delve into some of the challenges and issues surrounding
funding for community-based groups and non-profits, and other reported challenges
related to staff and volunteers for recruitment, retention and training.
3.1 Service Providers and Services Background
The United Way’s Community Information Handbook 2007/2008 edition, also known as
the Blue Book, is an essential directory that lists all of the health and social care agencies,
non-profit organizations and community groups found in Peterborough County. In
addition, it provides the contact information for services that are based outside of the
county, but available to residents in Peterborough. The Blue Book organizes the services
and organizations into subject indices. A majority of the organizations and services that
were used for this research were taken from subject indices such as Advocacy, Caregiver
Services and Long Term Care, Counselling and Mental Health Services, Housing
Services and Seniors’ Services. The various health and social care agencies, non-profit
organizations and community groups that provide support, care or a particular service to
seniors, amounts to 75 in total. These organizations provide an assortment of services,
programs and activities for the community committed to helping individuals obtain
health, education, and other basic human services.
5
While there appears to be numerous services and organizations in Peterborough County
that provide for the community, this report is focused primarily on seniors, and their
accessibility to services. For instance, some of the organizations are based out of Toronto,
but their services are available to residents of Peterborough. Table 3.1 displays the
different organizations and service providers and categorizes them according to their
context including government, community-based group, non-profit, private and other.
Note that “other” encompasses long-term care facilities, health centres, education
oriented groups, recreational groups and hospitals.
Table 3.1 Service providers in Peterborough County
Organization type No. of Organizations Percentage

(n=75)
Community-based group 14 18.7
Government agency 5 6.7
Non-profit organization 29 38.7
Private businesses 17 22.7
Other type of provider 10 13.3
Total represented 75 100
Table 3.2 Number of organizations listed by main service delivery
Service Type No. of Organizations Percentage

(n=75)
Advocacy 13 17.3
Counselling 2 2.7
Education 3 4
Government 5 6.7
Health Care 13 17.3
Housing 19 25.3
Outreach 9 12
Recreation 6 8
Specialized 5 6.7
A majority of the organizations involved with this research are listed as senior’s services
in the Blue Book and fourinfo.com. There are 62 organizations listed under Seniors’
Services in the Blue Book; however, not all are directly relevant for this research and
therefore will not be used for this study. The other organizations and services used for
this study were collected based on the types of services they provide, which usually
involved a program or service for seniors. The retirement community, and senior
population at large, are dependent on these services for health, education, recreation,
counselling and support. Table 3.2 displays the different services that were used for this
6
study and lists them according to their main service delivery. Note that they may provide
multiple services for the community, but Table 3.2 lists them according to their main
service delivery. One-quarter of the services are housing. Most of the housing services
are also privately run and owned and receive little or no funding from the government or
municipality. The Marycrest at Inglewood Seniors` Residence is an exceptional case, as it
collects rent from its tenants and receives funding by the Municipal Affairs and Housing
agency of the provincial government. Services and organizations such as the Abuse
Prevention of Older Adults Network and the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario, provide a
range of services, advocacy being their primary one. Health Care services such as the
Canadian Mental Health Association and the Psychiatric Assessment Services for the
Elderly, provide services for people with mental illnesses and clinical consultation
treatment respectively. Table 3.2 also lists five `specialized` services. These services
explicitly help the community through subsidy support services or through a specialized
compassionate care and support service model. Organizations that provide outreach as
their main service delivery are organizations that reach large numbers of people and
involve them in activities or programs that support a charitable cause.
3.2 Changing Service Context
This section of the report looks at the significant changes that the services and
organizations have undergone since the mid 1990s. More specifically, the changes in
service delivery, the changing ability to deliver services, and common obstacles that
impede effective service to the community. Because of the nature of the questions for this
part of the research, many of the organizations were contacted through email and phone
and asked to provide background information and materials such as annual reports. Some
information was obtained through documents provided on the websites of these services.
Not all 75 organizations were used for this part of the study.
Several factors can affect an organization’s ability to deliver their services adequately to
the community. Access to funding and resources, community involvement with the
organization, the role of volunteers for their services and programs, and policy changes
are all among the factors that affect an organization’s ability to deliver services within a
community. The non-profit sector has a high employment turnover rate; the number of
personnel for organizations including paid staff and volunteer staff continuously
oscillates because of funding shortages and contract cuts. Some organizations reported
that their employment base has shifted over the past ten years, primarily cutting more
jobs that are full-time and providing more part-time positions. Volunteers have also been
instrumental in making-up for the funding shortages, fiscal restraints and other challenges
related to a maintaining a paid staff employment base.
A majority of the organizations reported significant changes since the mid 1990s in their
ability to deliver their services. Table 3.3 lists the types of changes that were noted and
most commonly reported.
7
Table 3.3 Changes in Ability to Delivery Services
Type of Change No. of Percentage

Organizations
(n=34)
Greater reliance on fundraising/donations 8 6.3
Funding decrease 8 6.3
Funding increase 14 11
Improved Service delivery 20 15.7
Increased demand for services 20 15.7
More support from community 16 12.6
Paid staff cut 7 5.6
Paid staff increased 12 9.4
Volunteer staff cut 6 4.8
Volunteer staff increased 16 12.6
As displayed in Table 3.3, several organizations have received more support from the
community since the mid 1990s. Community agencies such as the United Way of
Peterborough and District have become even more supportive within the parameters of
their resources. With increased awareness and education over illnesses and issues
surrounding the well-being of seniors, various organizations reported that they are all
well received in the community and indispensable for providing for seniors.
Organizations that have become more reliant on fundraising typically have had a better
reception from the community. For example, enhanced fundraising efforts from the
YWCA has produced more support and interest from the community and has created
better awareness of their services and the issues that they advocate. In contract,
Community Care Peterborough relies mainly on the Central East Local Health and
Integration Network (LHIN), one of 14 regional health authorities in the province, and
fundraising for its service delivery. Although community support has become more
pronounced, supportive housing for seniors has been inadequate and virtually non-
existent. Similarly, the Marycrest at Inglewood Seniors’ Residence also has difficulties
providing support services for their seniors. The waiting list for this residence home is a
crucial issue, with seniors waiting long periods and demanding more services and
personal support workers. The residence is also attempting to reach out to the community
to raise funding for their services. The new ‘Aging at Home Strategy’ created by the
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and administered by the LHINs may foster
significant improvements for supportive housing for seniors over the next ten years.
Staff cuts and increases for volunteers and employees have been common for many of
these services. Reasoning for staff cuts and increases for these services ranges, but they
all generally inter-relate. For example, Abuse Prevention for Older Adults Network
reported that since they cut their ‘Volunteer Project Coordinator’ position, their volunteer
staff has plummeted. The salience of volunteer coordinators for organizations is
8
noteworthy, as they are largely responsible for creating outreach programs allowing
volunteers to participate and make a notable contribution to the service. Without the
presence of a volunteer coordinator, outreach programming is difficult. Moreover, there
are additional problems with retention, recruitment and training volunteers. The YWCA
similarly reported that the total hours for its ‘volunteer coordinator’ position has dropped
from full-time to part-time. The YWCA noted that over the years, volunteer training has
been under-funded. The Peterborough Site of the York Durham Aphasia Centre, funded
by the Central East LHIN, has had increase in their volunteers. However, many of their
professional staff including their Speech Language Pathologists and Social Workers are
paid significantly below what comparable professionals make in long term care facilities,
the Community Care Access Centres and hospitals. This is mainly due to unstable and
uneven allocation of funding.
Other notable changes include the demographic changes of the volunteers since the mid
1990s. A few organizations noted that since the last decade, there has been an increase in
youth volunteers for their respective programs. Two organizations, Applewood
Retirement Residence and Alternatives-Community Program Services, reported that there
has been a growing number of volunteers from high schools, colleges and universities
and a smaller percentage of seniors and individuals from the community. This newer
phenomenon is known as ‘episodic volunteering’, where younger professionals 25-45 are
reluctant to make a long term commitment and thus stick to smaller events or festivals
(United Way of Peterborough, 2006). These individuals are usually involved with
meaningful projects with a tangible community impact; however, they are explicitly
seeking short-term volunteer opportunities that involve commitment of only a few hours
a day or week. Because younger individuals are pre-occupied with their professions and
studies, their volunteer commitments may not be substantial.
By contrast, some organizations reported that seniors comprise a majority of the

volunteer staff base. Community Care Peterborough information indicated that newer
volunteers are somewhat disinterested in making the same long-term commitment that
seniors are accustomed to. The Canadian Hearing Society reported that commitment from
senior volunteers has been remarkable; more individuals over the age of 55 are
volunteering their time to the organization. This was observed based on the number of
people who have been touched with hearing loss, and thus these individuals feel that they
help the cause by volunteering.
There has been a massive decline in younger volunteers for this organization. Lastly,
reaching out and having a visible presence in the community reflects how an organization
retains its volunteers. Hospice Peterborough has developed a high profile in the
community and has received ample support ever since the 1990s. Consequently, its
popularity has produced a voluminous volunteer base. In 1996, Hospice Peterborough
had three full-time staff, two part-time and 170 volunteers. By 2008, they have increased
their full-time staff to six, and expanded their volunteers to 229. Along with strong
community support, this organization receives substantial funding from the provincial
government and from fundraising and donations. This exemplifies the importance of
9
establishing a connection with the community and how funding can create more
programs and services.
Several organizations reported various changes in their service delivery. As a result of the
supply and demand for their main services and programs, as well as the popularity for the
community, organizations reported both new services and discontinued services. Table
3.4 lists the changes in service delivery.
Table 3.4 Changes in Service Delivery
Question No. of Orgs. Percentage

(n=34)
Have new services been introduced since 1990? 27 65.9
Have any services been discontinued since ‘90? 14 34.1
A vast majority of organizations have introduced new services since the 1990s. This is
largely motivated by the increased demand for services. With a substantial increase in the
number and percent of seniors in the community, the scope of services has inevitably
broadened. Table 3.3 listed a high number of organizations who have had an increased
demand for services. In addition, organizations have gradually become more
comprehensive with their service delivery; many now offer services to accommodate
individuals with special interests and needs. Housing organizations and long-term care
homes noted a significant increase in supportive and low-rent housing for seniors. Again,
rising demand for these services and an aging senior population are forcing service
providers in Peterborough County to adjust their programs accordingly and ensure
adequate service delivery.
The discontinuation of services has also been occurring over the past ten years. Usually,
the unpopularity of services and/or lack of funding can cause them to discontinue or
amalgamate into a larger program network. The ‘coordination of sign language’, a
program that was once popular for the Canadian Hearing Society, discontinued because
of limited resources including staff and funding. What is more, the Community
Counselling and Resource Centre, a prominent community-based organization, had
several services and programs either cut or under-funded since the 1990s. Some include
the housing resource centre, the cutting of the counselling program, and the volunteer and
information centres lost funding as well. All of these services are essential for the
community at large serving a broad range of individuals.
3.3 Financial Support
Financial resources play an important role for any organization or service in a

community. Without stable finances, the ability of an organization to provide effective
programs and services is constrained. As shown in previous tables, finances and overall
10
funding can fluctuate greatly for non-profit organizations and community-based groups.
With the advent of new grant agencies such as the Ontario Trillium Foundation, funding
for community services has become a higher priority for the provincial government. In
addition and as mentioned previously, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has
also embarked on funding efforts for community support services with plans of $1.1
billion in funding over four years for its ‘Aging at Home Strategy’ (Central East LHIN,
2008).
As shown in Table 3.5, a majority of organizations used for this research rely on funding
from the provincial government. The Housing services sector mainly generates their own
revenue while receiving minimal funding from the municipal and provincial government.
The United Way of Peterborough and District, along with the Victorian Order of Nurses
(VON), are two prominent non-profit organizations that provide funding for community-
based groups and services in Peterborough County. The federal government plays a
minimal role in directly providing funding for services in Peterborough County. Some
organizations such as Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the New
Canadian Centre Peterborough, receive funding from the federal government.
Fundraising and donations are also a common source of funding for several organizations
and services. Table 3.5 displays the organizations from the Appendix, and categorizes
them based on their main source of funding. Refer to Appendix 1 for more detail on the
main source of funding for these various organizations.
Table 3.5 Main Source of Funding
Source No. of Organizations Percentage

(n=61)
Federal Government 1 1.6
Other 11 17.4
Own Revenue 26 41.3
Provincial Government 25 39.7
Total Represented 63 100
4.0 Overview of General Challenges and Issues

________________________________________________________________________
The various health and social care agencies, organizations and groups featured in the
research had successes, challenges and issues surrounding volunteerism in Peterborough
County. Websites, related documents and telephone/email confirmation about these
services, revealed a range of issues surrounding volunteerism. A consistent message from
the organizations and groups was the discussion of the challenges related to the
geographical range of services; and the challenges related to staff and volunteer
recruitment and training. Also reported but not as popular was that there is a growing
disconnectedness between urban and rural settings where rural volunteers are distanced
11
or disconnected from urban agencies. This suggests that a barrier exists between these
geographies and that there is a lack of cohesion.
Other challenges for these agencies are increasing gas prices that are making it difficult
for volunteers to meet their commitments and help with transportation services. For
organizations that provide health and social care, volunteers will often drive to the
clients’ homes to provide support and mentoring, or drive them to their medical or
therapeutic appointments. Community Care Peterborough, a non-profit charitable
organization providing services for seniors with physical challenges, reported that their
‘transportation’ and ‘meals on wheels’ programs are experiencing numerous difficulties.
These programs are volunteer-based as volunteers use their own vehicles to take clients
to medical or therapeutic appointments charging a nominal fee. However, this service is
being affected by rising gas prices as the recruitment for volunteers is becoming more
difficult. As this research has found, gas prices are creating issues around transportation
and impeding volunteers from performing their duties. Community Care Peterborough
also reported that volunteer recruitment in the spring and summer months have been
challenging, partially due to the distance that volunteers have to drive to reach their
respective locations.
Another major issue surrounding volunteerism for these organizations and agencies is the
lack of funding for comprehensive training. Community-based organizations are reliant
on their volunteers to help with programs, services and activities. However, the nature of
these programs often deal with sensitive and emotional issues like coping with mental
illnesses such as depression or dementia, conflict mediation, violence against elders and
neglect towards seniors just to name a few. The Schizophrenia Society of Ontario already
struggles to recruit paid staff and volunteers due to the nature of the illness. The
organization noted that mental illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Schizophrenia often carry a
negative connotation or stigma and are not popular for volunteer destinations. On top of
this problem, the organization receives insubstantial funding which is challenging for
training and retaining volunteers. It is therefore crucial that more funding is allocated to
training programs for volunteers. Well-resourced training and support for volunteers will
allow them to perform their duties more comfortably and provide tangible effects for the
organization at large. Table 4.1 summarizes the program delivery resource challenges as
found on websites and confirmed through telephone conversations.
Table 4.1 Program Delivery Resource Challenges
Challenges No. of organizations Percentage

(n=32)
Funding 15 34.1
Geographic Location 5 11.4
Other challenges 3 6.8
Staff Recruitment 16 36.3
Training Volunteers 5 11.4
Total Represented 44 100
12
It is evident that funding and staff recruitment appear to be the most outstanding
challenges. Both are inter-related because inadequate or limited funding for an
organization impedes its ability to attract or hire staff. Moreover, when funding is limited,
delivering programs and services is also constrained because fewer staff, whether paid or
volunteer, causes the quality and assurance of services to degrade.
4.1 Issues around Geographic Location
Health care and outreach-oriented organizations, such as the Kawartha Participation

Projects and the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, both face concerns over geographic
location. More specifically, the challenges of providing services to rural areas in the
Peterborough area. Clients travel over long distances to access services in Peterborough
because the services are often limited to their geographic domain. Providing services to
clients and patients in rural settings is not always viable. Volunteers for organizations
such as Community Care Peterborough and the United Senior Citizens of Ontario
participate in transportation services helping clients or members with their daily travels;
this may involve taking them to an appointment or helping them with a particular need.
On top of travelling far distances for individual clients, gas prices are rising and
exacerbating this problem. Worse yet, the Canadian Hearing Society is taking a negative
impact on its volunteer base due to exorbitant gas costs.
Activity Haven Senior Centre, a community-based recreation group for seniors, provides
popular programs for social gatherings attracting people from all over the county. With
over 1300 members from around the county, many individuals drive to the municipality
to access the services and programs. However, transportation remains a major issue as
members have to drive long distances and at times are severely unable. M.E./F.M.
Association of Peterborough and District, a community-based and health care oriented
organization, has a high turnout for its group meetings. Similar to Activity Haven Senior
Centre, this organization draws members from around the county who attend meetings
and participate in events. Conversely, however, this organization operates heavily on car-
pooling which is a more practical and efficient approach to maintaining a stable
membership. While this appears to be an exception, there are still numerous challenges
with the geographic location of service providers. This may suggest the need for an
extensive rural volunteer base, thereby providing more services closer to home.
4.2 Funding and Staffing Issues
The funding and staff recruitment conundrum is an on-going challenge permeating

organizations and groups in the Peterborough area. The research found that seniors are
already demanding more caregiving and supportive housing services, yet with issues
around funding and staff recruitment, service providers and organizations have more
obstacles. Even organizations such as the New Canadian Centre Peterborough who have
had an increase in base funding and ample volunteers, have reported challenges with
sustaining volunteer training, the administration and support of their volunteers.
13
As shown in Table 3.5, a vast majority of the service providers depend on the provincial
government as a main source of funding. However, in spite of funding from the
provincial government, there still appear to be program delivery resource challenges.
According to the literature, most grants from the government are funded at rates below
cost recovery (e.g., see Eakin, 2007). What is more, non-profit organizations in Ontario,
in 2004, delivered on average $1.14 of service for every $1.00 of government grant
money (Eakin, 2007). This suggests that capital and business costs have grown, and
funding has decreased.
A number of organizations and groups reported that the cost of doing and providing
services has increased greatly since the 1990s. Funding has increased for several
organizations, and for some it has remained stagnant. However, equal distribution of
funding to an organization is not always adequate. In addition, as reported by various
groups (e.g., Retired Teachers of Ontario, see website reference) funding shortfalls have
been occurring and can especially affect long-term care homes; ultimately lowering
standards for patient care and personal care. Community Care Peterborough has had
difficulty obtaining financial resources for professional development for its staff. A lack
of financial resources for professional development can result in a rapid turnover for
skilled personnel. Therefore, in order to rectify this, more attention is needed to be drawn
to the non-profit sector; this will help service providers capitalize on new funding
opportunities and minimize other program delivery constraints.
The Marycrest at Inglewood Seniors’ Residence chiefly operates on its own revenue from
its tenants. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing subsidizes rent for the lower
income bracket, or simply those who cannot afford to pay full rent. However, the
provincial government has progressively become more restrictive with its funding for this
residence. Controlling the capital reserve and dictating how much to allocate to it is not
only officious but regressive as well. Consequently, this residence is having numerous
challenges with providing support services, retaining staff and reaching out to the
community.
The Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, an important non-profit
organization advocating elder abuse awareness, has also had a relatively good turnout for
volunteers. However, recruitment of volunteers to work on projects at the community
level is difficult, particularly when no funding is available to pay mileage for them to
assist with organization. Moreover, some paid staff from this organization are
volunteering their time to train and work with the volunteers due to the lack of funding in
place for volunteering training.
In summary, the challenges and issues presented, along with a lack of resources, are
affecting the quality of services provided by these organizations. It is critical that funding
and grants become more readily available and accessible to non-profit organizations,
community-based groups and even private businesses in order to maintain a stable staff
base, ensure quality training for volunteers, and other resources to guarantee services to
individuals from rural settings and other geographical regions. In the absence and/or
limitation of government funding and resources, service providers and organizations rely
14
on other non-profit groups, fundraising, donations and assistance through local
partnerships for funding to operate their programs.
5.0 Summary and Concluding comments

________________________________________________________________________
As one of the nation’s largest retirement communities, Peterborough provides a whole

range of services and programs to accommodate the growing needs of the community.
However, over the past ten years, Peterborough, along with other communities in rural
and small town Canada, has witnessed several changes in health and social services.
There have been changes in funding, community support and the overall demand for
services. As the baby boom generation approaches the retirement age, the demand for
more services and caregivers will presumably rise, placing more pressure on the
municipal and provincial governments to offer more opportunities and services for them.
Furthermore, rising demand causes organizations and service providers to expand their
staff base in particular recruiting more volunteers and caregivers to assist with programs,
events and activities. This report addressed the challenges and issues surrounding
volunteerism in Peterborough County. The main impetus for recruiting more volunteer
staff was because of the lack of resources to sustain their paid staff, the rising costs of
providing services and most importantly the rising demand from the senior population for
services.
Community involvement and support has been noteworthy in Peterborough over the past
ten years. However, a number of service providers reported that significant changes in
their service delivery have been occurring over the years, many have also received better
support and recognition from the community. This has been largely attributable to the
media, as issues surrounding seniors and the elderly population are arising on a frequent
basis in local newspapers, etc. Community involvement and support is essential for any
service provider especially outreach services.
Preliminary results indicate that service providers and organizations offer a wide
spectrum of services to the Peterborough community, however, it is increasingly
becoming more difficult to provide them adequately due to funding limitations, staff
recruitment and the geographic location. In spite of an overall rise in the numbers of
volunteers for these organizations, this report noted that short-term volunteering is
becoming more commonplace due to commitment issues, time constraints, and other
priorities. Indeed, ‘episodic volunteering’ has become more popular, where younger
professionals are devoting their time to volunteering but overall making short-term
commitments.
To conclude, volunteerism is becoming more and more salient for building healthy,
sustainable communities across rural Canada. Indeed, as this report indicated, non-profit
organizations and community groups play a vital role for the social and economic quality
of life in Peterborough County. Many are reliant on volunteers to carry out their
respective services and programs. In a time of great uncertainty about the nature of health
15
and social services in rural and small town settings (e.g., see Skinner et al., 2008), much
attention is warranted for these community players, as they are the catalysts of change.
This background report has set out the key themes and issues surrounding volunteerism
and service delivery for service providers, which will be explored in further detail in
upcoming phases of the Volunteer Caregiving in the Countryside project.
References
________________________________________________________________________
Baranek, P., R.B. Deber and A.P. Williams (2004). Almost Home: Reforming Home and
Community Care in Ontario. University of Toronto Press, Toronto.
Eakin, L. (2007). We Can’t Afford to Do Business This Way: A Study of the
Administrative Burden Resulting from Fund Accountability and Compliance
Practices. Creative Commons, Toronto.
Greater Peterborough and Economic Development Corporation. (2007). 2007 Community
Profile. The Greater Peterborough and Economic Development Corporation,
Peterborough. (www.gpaedc.on.ca/profile.html)
Jenson, J. and Phillips, S.D. (2000). Distinctive trajectories: homecare and the voluntary
sector in Quebec and Ontario. In K.G. Banting (ed.), The Nonprofit Sector in
Canada: Roles and Responsibilities. McGill-Queen’s University Press, Kingston,
pp. 29-68.
Scott, K., Tsoukalas, S., Roberts, P., Lasby, D. (2006). The Nonprofit and Voluntary
Sector in Ontario: Regional Highlights of the National Survey of Nonprofit and
Voluntary Organizations. Imagine Canada, Toronto.
Skinner, M.W. (2008) Voluntarism and long-term care in the countryside: the paradox of
a threadbare sector. The Canadian Geographer 52(2): 188-203.
Skinner, M.W., Rosenberg, M.W., Lovell, S.A., Dunn, J.R., Everitt, J.C., Hanlon, N. and
Rathwell, T.C. (2008). Services for seniors in small town Canada: the paradox of
community. Canadian Journal of Nursing Research 40(1): 80-101.
Statistics Canada (2006). 2006 Census of Peterborough. Statistics Canada, Ottawa.
(www.statcan.ca)
United Way of Peterborough and District. (2007). Community Information Handbook:
Directory of Community Organizations Serving the County and City of
Peterborough. Community Information Services, Peterborough.
Websites and On-line Resources

• Community Information Database (http://www.fourinfo.com/)
• Community Services Directory (fourinfo.com)
• Local Health and Integration Network (http://www.lhins.on.ca/page.aspx?id=880)
• Peterborough Regional Health Centre (http://www.prhc.on.ca/default.aspx)
• Retired Teachers of Ontario (http://www.rto-ero.org/position-en.htm)
• Statistics Canada (www.statcan.ca)
• United Way of Peterborough and District (http://www.uwpeterborough.ca/)
16
APPENDIX 1.
Database of Organizations Providing Services for Seniors in Peterborough

________________________________________________________________________
Contents
Page Number
Abuse Prevention of Older Adults Network 19

Activity Haven Senior Centre 19
Alternatives- Community Program Services 19
Alzheimer Society of Peterborough and Area 19
Applewood Retirement Residence 20
Association of Managers of Volunteer Services 20
Auburn Retirement Village of Peterborough 20
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) 20
Canadian Pensioners Concerned INC 21
Canadian Cancer Society 21
Canadian Hearing Society 21
Canadian Mental Health Association 22
Canadian Red Cross 22
Canadian Snowbird Association 22
CARP (Canada's Association for the Fifty-Plus) 23
Central East Community Care Access Centre 23
Chemung Senior Citizens Family 23
Community Care Peterborough 23
Community Counselling & Resource Centre 24
Community Living Peterborough 24
Community Training and Development (THE) 24
Empress Gardens Retirement Residence 25
Extendicare 25
Fairhaven 25
Family Mediation and Counselling Centre 25
Fleming College 26
Four Counties Addiction Services Team INC 26
Home Instead Senior Care 26
Hospice Peterborough 26
Jackson Creek Retirement Residence 27
Kawartha Participation Projects 27
Learning in Leisure Peterborough 27
Mapleridge Seniors’ Recreation Centre 27
Marycrest at Inglewood Seniors’ Residence 28
M.E./F.M. Association of Peterborough and District 28
17
New Canadians Centre Peterborough 28
Nightingale Nursing Registry LTD 29
Northminister Court INC 29
Ontario Coalition of Senior Citizens Organizations 29
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters: 29
Ontario Gerontology Association 30
Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse 30
Ontario Retirement Communities Association 30
Peterborough County Senior Games 30
Peterborough Housing Corporation 31
Peterborough Kinsmen Club Enterprises LTD 31
Peterborough Manor 31
Peterborough New Horizons Band (NHB) 31
Peterborough Regional Health Centre 31
Peterborough Site of the York Durham Aphasia Centre 32
Peterborough Unattached Adult Club 32
Phonebusters/Seniorbusters 32
Princess Gardens Retirement Residence 32
Psychiatric Assessment Services for the Elderly 33
Retired Teachers of Ontario 33
Riverview Manor Long Term Care Home 33
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52 34
Royal Gardens Retirement Residence 34
Rubidge Retirement Residence 34
Saint Andrews United Church Senior Lunch Club 34
Schizophrenia Society of Ontario 35
Shopper’s Home Health Care 35
Springdale Country Manor 35
St. Giles Senior Citizens Residence 35
St. John's Retirement Homes INC 36
St. Joseph’s at Fleming 36
Tabernacle Court Apartments INC 36
United Senior Citizens of Ontario 36
United Way of Peterborough & District 37
Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) 37
YMCA of Peterborough 37
YWCA of Peterborough, Victoria and Haliburton 38
18
Abuse Prevention of Older Adults Network:
Key informant: Lisa Hughes, Program Supervisor, 705 745- 0188 x 6443
History and context: Established 1988 to provide public awareness about older adult
abuse within the community
Number of personnel: paid staff: 1, volunteer staff: 12 members on the committee, 7
volunteers who do presentations, 2 volunteers who are lawyers
Main source of funding: VON, Provincial Government
Types of clients: 55 plus, family members
Nature of programs and services: educational programs, community response manual,
presentations to groups (service providers, adults) workshops
Activity Haven Senior Centre:

Key informant: Shirley Shaw, Executive Director
History and context: Established 1970, for seniors to come together and be active, for
social gathering
Number of personnel: paid staff: 6, volunteer staff: 264, 10 Board Members
Main source of funding: LHIN, City of Peterborough, fundraising
Types of clients: 50 years and up
Nature of programs and services: Adult Day program, Diner’s club,
Alternatives Community Program Services (Peterborough) Inc:

Key informant: Vikki Etchells, Executive Director, 705-742-0806
History and context: Established 1986, was initially a life skills program offered by
Fleming College to open the door for people with a developmental disability, Fleming
discontinued program and the Alternatives Community Program adopted it shortly
thereafter.
Number of personnel: paid staff: 26, volunteer staff: 5
Main source of funding: Ministry of Community and Social Services
Types of clients: Individuals living with an intellectual disability,
Nature of programs and services: ‘fundamental skills development program’, building
bridges program dealing with youth and transition planning, employment support
program. All three are popular and in high demand
Alzheimer Society of Peterborough and Area:

Key informant: Sarah Cook, Public Education Coordinator
History and context: established 1979, incorporated in 1983, families requested support
for their loves ones, agency was needed to advocate for these individuals in terms of
navigating the health care system
Number of personnel: paid staff: 8, (projected to increase to 10 in a month) volunteer
staff: 40-100, 40 is the consistent number
Main source of funding: mainly funded by the Central East Local Health and Integration
Network (LHIN), donations and fundraising
Types of clients: open to the general public, people living with Alzheimer’s or related
dementia, anyone affected by it or touched by it, persons suffering from memory loss are
welcome
19
Nature of programs and services: education, support and research, support groups are
the most popular, brown bag caregiver support group, first link program provincial wide
program, Alzheimer society is the first link, safely home wandering registry program is
very busy,
Applewood Retirement Residence:

Key informant: Theresa Pagett, Executive Director,
History and context: Established October 1, 1988 to provide care and services for
seniors
Main source of funding: residence private paid, no funding from the government
Types of clients: mainly seniors
Nature of programs and services: nursing is the most popular program, runs 24 hours,
activation is the next most popular
Association of Managers of Volunteer Services:

Key informant: Susan Ramey, President, 705-748-9455
History and context: Established to help volunteer managers in the community and
educate them about issues surrounding volunteer recruitment, strategies and management
Number of personnel: paid staff: 9, 8 are part-time, volunteer staff: 150
Main source of funding: United Way of Peterborough, government grants
Types of clients: volunteer coordinators from around Peterborough City and County
Nature of programs and services:
-volunteerism on the decline due to increased fuel costs
Auburn Retirement Village of Peterborough:

Key informant: John Scott, Manager
History and context: Established 1983, provide housing for seniors
Number of personnel: paid staff: 3, volunteer staff: residents volunteer themselves
Main source of funding: mainly rent from tenants, minimal funding from government
Types of clients: Seniors, 60 years and up
Nature of programs and services: BBQs are the most popular
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC):

Key informant:
History and context: Established as a government-owned corporation in 1946 to address
Canada’s post-war housing shortage, the agency has grown into a major national
institution
Number of personnel:
Main source of funding: funded by the federal government, self-sufficient company,
mortgage insurance
Types of clients: range, mostly low-income householders
Nature of programs and services: underwrite mortgages, renovation loans for low-
income households, assisting in investments,
20
Canadian Pensioners Concerned INC:
Key informant: Christine Mounsteven, President, Peggy, Office Administrator
History and context: Founded in 1969, is a provincial and national membership-based,
non-partisan, voluntary, advocacy organization of mature Canadians committed to
preserving and enhancing a human-centred vision of life
Number of personnel: paid staff: 1 part-time staff, volunteer staff: 19 on the board
Main source of funding: apply for grants, membership fee
Types of clients: geared for community, advocate Provincial and National Issues
Nature of programs and services: they do not provide services; they are simply an
advocacy group that lobbies the government on issues such as poverty, pension and
community issues
Canadian Cancer Society:

Key informant: Allison Payne, Volunteer Development Coordinator
History and context: established in 1931 in Saskatchewan to make people aware of
cancer symptoms, 1938 becomes national organization
Number of personnel: paid staff: 7, volunteer staff for the district: 2300, covering City
of Kawartha Lakes ; Haliburton County ; Northumberland County ; Peterborough County
Main source of funding: 100% funded by donors and fundraising events, no funding
from the government
Types of clients: anyone diagnosed with cancer
Nature of programs and services: transportation program is the busiest by far,
volunteers pick up cancer patients from their homes and drive them to their appointments,
peer support program is another popular one
Canadian Hearing Society:

Key informant: Maggie Doherty-Gilbert, Regional Director
History and context: established 1940 provincially, 1979 local office, need for
employment for deaf individuals, creating a deaf community, solidarity, accessibility for
these people, people did not have support and needed it
Number of personnel: paid staff: 18 volunteer staff: 65
Main source of funding: large grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, 70 percent
from the government, Ministry of Health and Long term care is the largest funder,
Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities, Ministry of Community and Social
Services, fundraising 5 percent total, user fees 20 percent,
Types of clients: birth to death, provide support for every walk of life, majority are
seniors, older adults, 60%
Nature of programs and services: counselling and mental health program, high demand
for advocacy, issues around advocacy, coping with hearing loss, younger people in
mental health program, communication devices are important for every service, increase
in demand because of noise pollution,
Volunteers are used in fundraising, volunteers are seldom used in main services, cost of
services have increased,
21
Canadian Mental Health Association:
Key informant: Linda Saunders, Director of Human Resources, Finance & Housing
History and context: Established 1951 as a charitable organization to provide support
for individuals and their families who suffered from serious and persistent mental
illnesses
Main source of funding: Ministry of Health and Long-term care 65 percent of budget,
Ministry of Community and Social Services, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing,
United Way, foundations, private donations, fundraising initiatives
Types of clients: individuals who have a mental illness, dual diagnosis of mental
developmental disability or mental health issues
Nature of programs and services: case management (support for individuals, sending
volunteers to their homes to comfort and assist them), crisis intervention services, early
psychosis intervention, supportive housing
Canadian Red Cross:

Key informant: Craig McCleary, Integrated Manager
History and context:
Main source of funding:
Types of clients:
Canadian Snowbird Association:

Key informant: Laurence Barker, Executive Director
History and context: established in1992, NDP came to power and cut the “out of
country” reimbursement rates, Seniors came together to lobby government because they
were unhappy, OHIP hardly reimburses you if you leave the Province
Number of personnel: paid staff: 5 ½ direct paid staff, benefit partners there are another
6 paid people, volunteer staff: volunteer board of directors, 8, grassroots volunteers
fluctuates, 20 local volunteers for small event that was in PTB0 last year
Main source of funding: direct membership dues and non-dues revenue through
programs and benefit partners sponsorship fees,
-lobbying fund is supporting through voluntary donations by members
Types of clients: membership is not age specific, typical clientele are retirees, represent
travelling Canadians
Nature of programs and services: Currency exchange program is the busiest, move
money on a monthly basis from Canadian to American banking account, auto club similar
to CAA, group car and insurance program, travel related information is less popular but
common, “Canadian travelers report card” 2006
22
CARP (Canada's Association for the Fifty-Plus):
Key informant: Michelle Taylor, Advocacy Communications Coordinator
History and context: CARP was established by Lillian and Murray Morgenthau in
1984. CARP's mandate was to promote and protect the rights and quality of life for
50plus Canadians.
Main source of funding: CARP is membership dues and benefit providers
Types of clients: Ages 50 years and up
Nature of programs and services: Advocacy, Benefits and Community Development
are the three main services under CARP. All three are popular and in high demand.
Additional: there are 400,000 members
Central East Community Care Access Centre:

Key informant: Steven Kay, Senior Director of Human Resources, Gail Scala, Manager
of Communications, 905-430-8084
History and context: Established in 1997, amalgamated in 2007 by the Ministry of
Health and Long-Term Care to provide access to government-funded home and
community services and long-term care homes
Number of personnel: paid staff: 687, volunteer staff: 10 members on the board
Main source of funding: Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, 100 percent funded
Types of clients: seniors are a large group, 25 percent are children, anyone who needs
homecare, no age limit
Nature of programs and services: nursing and personal care, assistance with activities
of daily living, treatment and medication administration, meals, laundry services,
social/recreational programs
Chemung Senior Citizens Family:

Key informant: Doreen Gadsby, President
Types of clients:
Community Care Peterborough:

Key informant: Mary-Lynn Koekkoek, Community Development Manager
History and context: Established: 1993, Community Care Peterborough is a non-profit,
charitable organization that provides volunteer-based support services and programs of
the highest quality for seniors and for adults with physical challenges in Peterborough
County and City
Main source of funding: The Ontario Trillium Foundation, and the UN of Peterborough
and District, The Central East Local Health and Integration Network provides 55 percent
of the funding
-Donations, planned giving and fundraising activities>> Many local contributions are
also made each year by service clubs, businesses, foundations and community groups,
23
fundraising events are held every year to make up for the funded shortages from the
government
Types of clients: adults and seniors with physical challenges
Nature of programs and services: transportation and meals on wheels are the busiest
programs for Community care Peterborough
Community Counselling and Resource Centre:

Key informant: Casey Ready, Executive Director
History and context: established in 1956, new organization was formed; promote,
strengthen and maintain family life through educational lectures, courses and counselling
Number of personnel: paid staff: 25, volunteer staff: 6-20 (it fluctuates)
Main source of funding: Ministry of Children and Youth Services, Ministry of
Community and Social services, Ministry of Health and Long term care, (local health
integration network), Ministry of the Attorney General, Ministry of Community Safety
and Correctional Services, county and city of Peterborough, one time grant from
Peterborough utility services, service Canada, Ontario trillium foundation, UN of
Peterborough and district
Types of clients: all members of the community
Nature of programs and services: community counselling, credit counselling offers
assistance to families with financial issues,
Community service orders, housing resource centre, offers a range of services for
affordable housing.
-programs are available to all family denominations and all members of the community
irrespective of their economic status
Community Living Peterborough:

Key informant: Jack Gillan, Chief Executive Officer, Cindy Hobbins, Manager of
Volunteer Services
History and context: established in 1953, families wanted to keep kids in the PTBO area
and keep them from going off to provincial institutions.
Number of personnel: paid staff: 146, volunteer staff: 200 volunteers
Main source of funding: Ministry of Community and Social Services exclusively
Types of clients: individuals living with intellectual disabilities
Nature of programs and services: “community support homes” is the busiest program
and has the greatest demand, it provides supportive housing for people, staff from the
organization are sent to their homes to help them with their living necessities
Community Training and Development (THE):

Key informant: Madeline Currelly, CEO, 905-372-9967
History and context: Established 1998, part of the Kawartha school board, offer
community training and development services
Number of personnel: paid staff: 7 full time, 3 full time Cobourg, five fulltime in her
office, no volunteers at this centre
Main source of funding: cost recovery, revenue from courses
Types of clients: Adults primarily
Nature of programs and services: training, development and day care are the busiest
24
Empress Gardens Retirement Residence:
Key Informant: Jane Crane, Executive Director, 705-876-1314
Types of clients:
Extendicare:
Key Informant: Shelley Dulmage, Dietary Manager
History and context: established in 1972, need for nursing home beds, for seniors
Number of personnel: paid staff and volunteer staff total 265
Main source of funding: ministry of health and long-term care
Types of clients: anyone needing long-term care, mainly seniors
Nature of programs and services: dietary, nursing, activities
Fairhaven:
Key informant: Lillian Horn, Executive Assistant
History and context: Established 1960, Municipal Act required all areas to have a long-
term care facility, jointly owned by municipalities of the City and County of
Peterborough
Main source of funding: Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, funding from
residents known as ‘accommodation fee’, it is a Long-Term Care Facility, owned and
governed by the community and operated without reliance on operating funds from the
municipality
Donations are a source of funding for Fairhaven,
Types of clients: Seniors mostly, anyone over the age of 18 is welcome
Nature of programs and services: the physical therapy program is in high demand,
Nursing Services, Recreation and Leisure Services, Social Work Services, Therapy
Services, Volunteer Services (During 2004, 150 volunteers and 30 student volunteers
gave 9, 307 hours to the home), Spiritual and religious services, Support Services
Family Mediation and Counselling Centre:

Key informant: Patricia Houde, Primary Contact, 705-743-2820
History and context: Established 1995 to provide mediation for families, it was an
alternative for avoiding the justice system; it was also created to provide counselling
services for couples that have problematic relationships
Number of personnel: paid staff: 3-4, two of four are on contract, volunteer staff: 1
volunteer only, specific type of work
Main source of funding: privately owned, service clubs provide some money,
Types of clients: mix of people, range in age
Nature of programs and services: ‘Kids need to talk too’ is a popular program,
‘rebuilding after separation and divorce’ runs three times a year, mediation programs are
the busiest part of the centre
25
Fleming College:
Key informant: Donna Lockhart, Volunteer Program Coordinator, 705-292-5004
Types of clients:
Four Counties Addiction Services Team INC:

Key informant: Donna Rogers, Executive Director
History and context: established in 1983 as a Non-profit organization to provide support
for individuals suffering from addiction problems
Number of personnel: paid staff: 25, no volunteers
Main source of funding: Ministry of Health and Long-term care
Types of clients: individuals who are seeking support to see changes in their gambling,
drug and alcohol addictions, families looking for support for their loves ones who are
suffering from addictions
Nature of programs and services: individual and group counselling therapy, programs
for youth and women with new born babies, assessment and referral for residential
treatment programs, family education and process groups, brief psycho education groups
Home Instead Senior Care:

Key informant: David Tamblyn, President, 705-748-6389
Types of clients:
Hospice Peterborough:
Key informant: Paula Greenwood, Co-ordinator of Volunteers and Education
History and context: Established 1989, need for support for people living with life
threatening illnesses, support for individuals grieving
Main source of funding: ministry of health and long term care 50%, fundraising is other
half, donations from community
Types of clients: All ages - dealing directly or indirectly with cancer at any stage,
advanced illness or grief.
Nature of programs and services: grief recovery series for adults, youth, children, day
hospice programs are all popular
-visiting volunteer program is the busiest, volunteers visiting homes of people with life
threatening illnesses to comfort and support them
26
Jackson Creek Retirement Residence:
Key informant: Lisa Doyle, General Manager
History and context: Established in 2001, to provide seniors with a safe and rewarding
lifestyle and quality of life that exceeds their expectations
Main source of funding: private retirement residence, residents have to pay their own
fees
Types of clients: people from operations and surgeries are allowed to stay, family
members are allowed to stay as well, mostly seniors though
Nature of programs and services: exercises and out trips to different malls are very
popular and are the busiest
Kawartha Participation Projects:

Key informant: Karla Porter, Support Services Manager, Linda Myers, Quality
Assurance Manager
History and context: established in 1980 to provide housing for people with disabilities
Number of personnel: paid staff: 105, volunteer staff: 30 volunteers
Main source of funding: Local Health and Integration Network, 100 percent funded
Types of clients: 16 older, a wide range of disabilities, provide supportive housing and
attendant outreach services
Nature of programs and services: supportive housing is the busiest program/service,
staff on 24 hours
Learning in Leisure Peterborough:

Key informant: Neil May, President
History and context: Established 1985 as a senior citizens educational program to
promote social interaction and to broaden the minds and horizons of Peterborough seniors
Number of personnel: paid staff: none, volunteer staff: 10 on the board of directors,
Main source of funding: charge a $20 membership fee for the 10 weeks, no funding
from government
Types of clients: intended for seniors but everyone is welcome
Nature of programs and services: the annual talk from Peter Malkovsky draws the
biggest crowd, all presentations are popular including talks on/by environment and
energy, Stephen Lewis, World Affairs, Algonquin Park
Mapleridge Seniors’ Recreation Centre:

Key informant: Sherri, Executive Director, Diane McConnachie, Volunteer Coordinator,
Phone: 705-743-0420
History and context: established 1957, incorporated in 1960 and becomes a registered
charity association, purpose of establishment was to provide friendship, programs and
opportunities for the 50 plus to enjoy social, recreational and educational activities.
Number of personnel: paid staff: 1, board of ten members, volunteer staff: 100
Main source of funding: federal and municipal funding, ‘raised in house’ fundraising,
community fundraising
Types of clients: persons 50 plus
Nature of programs and services: all programs are popular
27
Marycrest at Inglewood Seniors' Residence:
Key informant: Mary-Anne Linton, Administrator
History and context: established 1992, mission of the sisters of St. Joseph’s
Number of personnel: paid staff: 2 full-time, volunteer staff: volunteers are the
residents and ministers
Main source of funding: primarily rent from tenants, funded by Ministry of Municipal
Affairs and Housing, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing subsidizes rent for those
who cannot afford it
Types of clients: 65 years and up
Nature of programs and services: residents organize their own programs, service inter-
face, playing cards and socializing
-affordable housing for seniors
M.E./F.M. Association of Peterborough and District

Key informant: Joan Foster, President, Phone: 705-742-0562
History and context: established in October of 1992, no support for people who were
suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, support group was needed for these people.
Public library had three books about the disease, but there was still limited info on it.
Lack of information on the disease, chronic fatigue syndrome
Number of personnel: only sufferers and people living with the disease, no paid staff,
Collective Kitchen runs twice a month from September to June, volunteers help with that
Main source of funding: fundraising primarily, ME/FM national network, fundraising
strictly, anyway to find money, money goes back to the library
Types of clients: have multiple chemical sensitivities, meetings are open to any
interested persons
Nature of programs and services: non-financial support, helping people apply for
disability benefits, Canada pensions
Collective kitchen is the busiest program. Cooking in mass quantities to help people who
cannot cook.
New Canadian Centre Peterborough:

Key informant: Carmela Valles, Executive Director
History and context: Established in 1979, became new centre in 1985 as a non-profit
with a volunteer board
Number of personnel: paid staff: 8, volunteer staff: it varies, 50
Main source of funding: federal and provincial funding, United Way of Peterborough
(funds Core Settlement Services), Employment Ontario, Ontario trillium foundation
provide grants, Citizenship and Immigration of Canada provide funding for Settlement
Adjustment Programs, Individual Donors and Fundraising
Types of clients: range
Nature of programs and services: language programs, and employment programs, help
with immigration,
28
Nightingale Nursing Registry LTD:
Key informant: Sally Harding, President and CEO, Alison Garbutt, Director of
Accounting & Payroll
History and context: established in 1985, to provide health care services to clients in the
privacy of their homes
Number of personnel: paid staff: 125, volunteer staff: none
Main source of funding: Central East Community Care Access Centre is the sole funder
Types of clients: elderly, newborns, mothers, children, individuals with physical or
mental disability, individuals requiring palliative care, family members who need relief
from caring for a loved one, those with a medical condition or health care need,
individuals recovering from illness, injury, or surgery
Nature of programs and services: The two main programs are “homemaking: and “foot
care”, both programs are popular and provide care for needy seniors
Northminister Court INC:

Key informant:
Types of clients:
Ontario Coalition of Senior Citizens Organizations:

Key informant: Morris Jesion, Executive Director
History and context: established in 1985 to improve the quality of life for seniors
Main source of funding: Fundraising only, small grants from the Ontario Trillium
Foundation
Types of clients: exclusively seniors
Programs and services: Mostly educational programs, education in computer training,
education in public policy (health, pension etc).
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters:

Key informant: Lezlie Goodwin, Communications Coordinator/Corporate Messaging
History and context: Established in 1928 as a non-profit, registered charity, dedicated to
protecting woodland and wetland habitat, conserving our precious fish and wildlife stocks
and promoting outdoor education.
Number of personnel: paid staff: 40, volunteer staff: 83,000 strong membership,
approximately 100 plus volunteers for Peterborough County
Main source of funding: private and memberships
Types of clients: conservationists, anglers and hunters, family memberships, primarily
male 40-50
Nature of programs and services: conservation pond that is accessible to seniors and
handicapped. Schools groups, it is a public service, fishing from the pond, lots of seniors
for that,
29
Ontario Gerontology Association:
Key informant:
History and context: Established 1981, improve the quality of life for seniors
Number of personnel: paid staff: 2, volunteer staff: 0-16
Main source of funding: membership
Types of clients: seniors, government agencies, employers
Nature of programs and services: annual conference on gerontology,
Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse:

Key informant: Rhianne Rhideout, Regional Consultant, 705-745-4100
History and context: Established in 1989 and incorporated as a charitable organization
in 1991 to develop educational and training programs about elder abuse prevention and
intervention for professionals and caregivers
Number of personnel: paid staff: 9 volunteer staff: ONPEA is governed by a voluntary
Board of 12 members representing professionals, service providers, community
organizations, volunteers, seniors and aboriginal groups
Main source of funding: Ministry of The Attorney General, grants and proposals,
membership fees, Ontario Senior’s Secretariat
Types of clients: referrals from family members, agencies will call for assistance, seniors
mostly
Nature of programs and services: Three main areas: coordination of services, training
and education to frontline providers and public education and awareness. Education
campaigns, public service announcements are also popular
Ontario Retirement Communities Association:

Key informant: Natalie Edwards, 905-403-0500 ext 221
History and context: Established in 1977, as a voluntary non-profit organization that
sets professional operating standards, inspects and accredits retirement residences in
Ontario
Number of personnel: paid staff: 7, volunteer staff: 12 staff on the board of directors
Main source of funding: private and non-profit organizations own and operate
retirement residences, membership fees
-the toll-free "Retirement Home Complaints Response and Information Service" (CRIS),
assists seniors and their families in resolving complaints relating to any retirement
residences in Ontario, this is funded by the Provincial Government
Types of clients: the public at large
Nature of programs and services: training for retirement residence sector,
-residences have volunteers who help with programs, services and activities
Peterborough County Senior Games:

Key informant:
Types of clients:
30
Peterborough Housing Corporation:
Key informant: Darlene Cook, GM and CEO
History and context: established 2000, Peterborough Housing Authority started 37 years
before, purpose of establishment was to respond to housing needs of the community
Main source of funding: residents pay their own rent; municipal government provides
subsidies for low-income residents
Types of clients: over half are seniors, low to moderate income families, singles
Nature of programs and services: providing housing is their only program
Peterborough Kinsmen Club Enterprises LTD:

Key informant: Jim Coghlan, Administrator, Phone: 705-742-8366 (H)
History and context: established in the 1960s as a non-profit housing corporation to
provide affordable housing for seniors
Number of personnel: paid staff: no employees, volunteer staff: board of six people
Main source of funding: rent from tenants
Nature of programs and services: simply provide low-cost housing
Peterborough Manor:
Key informant: Cheryl Lee, Community Relations Manager
History and context: established 1982, to provide housing for seniors
Number of personnel: paid staff: 48, volunteer staff: less than 10
Main source of funding: private, residents pay themselves
Types of clients: only seniors
Nature of programs and services: in-house activities, entertainment, music, bowling
Peterborough New Horizons Band (NHB):

Key informant:
History and context: Established 2002,
Types of clients:
Peterborough Regional Health Centre:

Key informant: Paul Darby, Executive Director, Sue Robertson, Manager Volunteer
Services
History and context: Established 1999, provide hospital services for the community
Number of personnel: paid staff: 2100, part-time and full-time volunteer staff: 600, 300
physicians
Main source of funding: Ministry of Health and Long-term Care 80 percent, 20 percent
from insurance companies, parking and services, preferred services
Types of clients: higher percentage of seniors, offer services for youth and adults as well,
31
Nature of programs and services: medical patients program, surgical interventions
services, birth services 2000 a year is the most single common care that they provide, less
busy are the clinics, ambulatory care clinics
Peterborough Site of the York Durham Aphasia Centre:

Key informant: Karen McDonald, Executive Director
History and context: Established 1989 to provide adult communication groups for
clients with aphasia. There are 7 program locations (Peterborough, Whitby, Markham,
Stouffville, Newmarket, Richmond Hill & Maple)
Number of personnel: paid staff: 11 (2 full-time, 3-part time), one Speech Language
Pathologist, one Communication Disorders Assistant and a Personal Support Worker.
volunteer staff: 80
Main source of funding: Central East LHIN and fundraising,
Types of clients: anyone over 18 with aphasia or a related communication disorder such
as apraxia or dysarthria.
Nature of programs and services: Programs such as humour, gavel club and drawing
for communication are popular. All communication strategies programs are in high
demand.
Peterborough Unattached Adult Club:

Key informant:
Types of clients:
Phonebusters/Seniorbusters:
Key informant:
History and context: Established in January 1993, PhoneBusters is the Canadian Anti-
Fraud Call Centre managed on a tripartite basis by the Ontario Provincial Police, the
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Competition Bureau Canada
Types of clients:
Princess Gardens Retirement Residence:

Key informant: Heather Young, Executive Director, 705-750-1234
History and context: established 1998, need for seniors residence in Peterborough area
Number of personnel: paid staff: 90 volunteer staff: 10-12
Main source of funding: private pay, no funding from government
Nature of programs and services: Tai chi and swimming are the busiest and most
popular programs
32
Psychiatric Assessment Services for the Elderly:
Key informant: Gail Grant, Manager
History and context: 1986, district health council determined that it was necessary for
psychiatric assessments services, based on a model of service delivery that is “best
practice”
Number of personnel: paid staff: 13 total, no volunteers
Main source of funding: Ministry of Health and Long term care is the sole funder,
separately funded by the main hospital budget
Types of clients: Seniors mainly, 65 years and up
Nature of programs and services: two major programs: direct clinical consultation
treatment, outreach program, education and training for primary care givers, teaching
strategies and approaches on how to best work with the elderly, community development
program is also popular
Retired Teachers of Ontario:

Key informant: David Cummings, President
History and context: established 40 years ago, as a bilingual and voluntary organization
that safeguards pensions for retired teachers
-teachers contributed to the pension fund, controlled by the government, pensions for
retired teachers were very low, teachers are currently paying 13% of their gross, not
controlled by government anymore, Ontario teacher’s pension plan is the big player,
pension advocacy
-everyone at district level is volunteering, district board of directors PTBO 15,
provincially there are 60,000 members
-1000 members in Peterborough
-10 paid staff in Toronto that runs the organization
Main source of funding: dues, all members pay dues
Type of clients: individuals who have pensions from Ontario teacher pension plan are
only allowed
Nature of programs and services: health is the busiest program, full social program as
well
Riverview Manor Long Term Care Home:

Key informant: Sherry Baldwin, Volunteer Management Co-ordinator,
History and context: Established 1983, long-term care primarily, also to provide support
and housing opportunities for seniors living in Peterborough
Main source of funding: private centre, small government funding from the Ministry of
Health and Long-Term Care
Types of clients: Seniors, 99 percent of population
Nature of programs and services: Recreational activities are busy and common. Social,
recreational and physical activities and programs, including related supplies and
equipment
33
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52:
Key informant: Denise Brown, Manager, 705-745-6361,
History and context: Established 1926, previously known as the’ great war veterans
association’ social organization for WWI veterans to congregate and offer assistance to
them and education
Number of personnel: paid staff: 8, volunteer staff: 100 active volunteers, 800 plus
members
Main source of funding: strictly a membership club, banquet hall that is rented out to
public
Types of clients: seniors
Nature of programs and services: sports leagues are popular, age of majority and up,
service officer provides assistance for veterans and widows, youth education,
-they donate a lot to community-based organizations . They donate roughly $20,000
annually to the Peterborough regional health centre, funds from the ‘poppy trust fund’ are
also donated at the end of the year. canvassing poppies, funds used to help local veterans,
Royal Gardens Retirement Residence:

Key informant: Kerry Davies, Executive Director
History and context: established 2001, opened to meet the needs of seniors who needed
help and other housing alternatives, provides continuous care, social needs for older
adults
Main source of funding: private enterprise
Types of clients: mostly adults, younger people from 50s to 60s
Nature of programs and services: programs that promote wellness are popular, fitness
centre is used frequently, maintaining good health and fitness levels, social programs are
very common, seminars and education, food services
Rubidge Retirement Residence:

Key informant: Neila Curtin, Administrator
History and context: established 1988, service the needs of seniors for higher level of
care
Main source of funding: private pay exclusively
Types of clients: seniors mainly
Nature of programs and services: entertainment is busy, bingos and exercise programs
most popular
Saint Andrews United Church Senior Lunch Club:

Key informant: Edna Spencer, Co-ordinator, Phone: 705-742-6714 (H)
Types of clients:
34
Schizophrenia Society of Ontario:
Key informant: Jennifer Robertson, Regional Co-ordinator
History and context: established in 1979 as a non-profit organization, provide support
for family members who have a loved one living with schizophrenia
Number of personnel: paid staff: 1.8 full time staff, volunteer staff: 100
Main source of funding: donations both public and private, UN of PTBO,
Types of clients: support anyone who has a family member living with it, public
education in schools, with the police, special service agencies, all for the purpose of
educating and better accommodating people living with this condition
Nature of programs and services: individual support for family members, family
support groups, and public education is busy as well,
Shopper’s Home Health Care:

Key informant: Mary Lynne Taylor, Assistant Manager
Number of personnel: paid staff: 24, volunteer staff: no volunteers
Main source of funding: provided through Ontario government, mobility devices,
government funding for specific products, Assisted Devices Program
Types of clients: 75% are seniors, shoppers runs a seniors discount event every last
Thursday of the month
Caregivers and family members also come,
Nature of programs and services: seniors take advantage of the senior’s discount event,
25% off items
-special in services on products and equipment
Springdale Country Manor:

Key informant: Maureen Imamovic, Administrator/Director of Care
History and context: Established as a long-term care home 40 years ago, provide
housing and care for seniors
Main source of funding: Ministry of Health and Long-term care, it is a full-profit
organization
Types of clients: people who require long-term care, anyone who needs more than 2.5
hours a day of nursing care is eligible to apply
Nature of programs and services: music activities, any group who comes in to do
music, religious services are popular
St. Giles Senior Citizens Residence:

Key informant: David Rosefield, Administrator, 705-743-8660
History and context: Established 1983, outreach of the church to community
Number of personnel: paid staff: 1, volunteer staff: 8 members on the board
Main source of funding: non-profit incorporation, rent from residents pays for
mortgage, CMHC provides a small subsidy
Types of clients: 65 plus
35
Nature of programs and services: volunteer association of members run activities, self-
run bingo twice a week, card games, pot luck dinner once a month, coffee club once a
week, organized by residents association
-monthly blood pressure clinic open to the public, as a service
St. John's Retirement Homes INC:

Key informant: Lauraine Cyr, Executive Director
History and context: established 1987, need for a housing complex to accommodate
seniors
Number of personnel: paid staff: 20, volunteer staff: 10-12
Main source of funding: non-profit, services are funded by the Ministry of Health and
Long-Term Care, ministry of municipal affairs and housing funds the operations of the
building
Types of clients: 65 and over, and some handicapped individuals
Nature of programs and services: personal care and dining room, food service is the
busiest and most popular program
St. Joseph's at Fleming:

Key informant: Debra Cooper Burger, Chief Executive Officer
History and context: Established 1949, new building 2004, developed to serve the needs
for the elderly and vulnerable individuals (mental and intellectual disabilities) physical
challenges
Main source of funding: Ministry of Health and Long term Care, portion of money
comes from the resident
Types of clients: variety of people, predominantly seniors, younger disabled individuals,
people with intellectual challenges and physical disabilities.
Nature of programs and services: music programs are well received by residents,
exercises for mental stimulation are not as popular because individuals with cognitive and
mental disabilities have a difficult time participating, the bowling events are busy and
draw large crowds
Tabernacle Court Apartments INC:

Key informant: Pastor David S. Morris, 705-743-3418
History and context: Established 1978, to provide suitable accommodation for retired
people
Number of personnel: paid staff: 12, volunteer staff: residents care for themselves
Main source of funding: residents pay themselves
Types of clients: retired people
Nature of programs and services: majority attend the church,, trip is arranged or a meal
for fellowship and social interaction
United Senior Citizens of Ontario Zone 42:

Key informant: Colette Moher, President, 705-742-6961
History and context: established in 1958, province-wide seniors’ planning group
convened to address problems of the elderly that were not being met by the programs of
36
the time. It is involved in the education and promotion of wellness, health, fitness, safety
and recreation to its members and their associates and to provide a means whereby
seniors can work together to have input on issues concerning them
Number of personnel: paid staff: no paid staff. volunteer staff: all members are
volunteers
Main source of funding: self-sufficient, supporting themselves,
Types of clients: ages 55 plus
Nature of programs and services: transportation is a big problem for seniors, taxed to
death on everything,
United Way of Peterborough & District:

Key informant: Lisa Smith, Director Community Leadership & Learning Services
History and context: Established 1941, as a voluntary organization called "The
Peterborough War Services and Community Fund". It was a group formed to support
families who had loved ones fighting in the war
Main source of funding: Annual fundraising campaign from community directly,
donations from corporations, employee campaigns, community request, the Ontario
Trillium foundation, donations from unions and labour community,
Types of clients: disabled, impoverished individuals, seniors and youth, volunteerism,
Nature of programs and services: 34 member agencies, fund 238 services, internal
programs, Community Care Peterborough, poverty Kawartha Food Share, public
education, shelter services,
Victorian Order of Nurses:

Key informant: Doreen Anderson Roy, Manager of Community Support & Volunteer
Services
History and context: Established 1897, VON is a not-for-profit national health care
organization and registered charity offering a wide range of community health care
solutions. Peterborough local branch 1946, to provide health care in the community and
fill gaps in services that were not being provided by any other service or organization
Main source of funding: Community Care Access Centre, LHIN, contracted to provide
nursing services, community support services funded by LHIN, charitable programs
through fundraising and donations
Types of clients: cares for all ages and stages of life. Infants to palliative care,
Nature of programs and services: 5 main services, visiting nursing, adult day programs,
in-home respite services, SMART program, senior’s exercise program
YMCA of Peterborough:
Key informant: Kelly Wilson, Manager of Sales and Adult Health
History and context: 1895 in PTBO, meeting the needs of the community, evolved into
programs over the years to promote fitness, health and well-being for the community at
large
Number of personnel: paid staff: 140, 70 percent part-time, 30 percent full-time,
volunteer staff: 200
37
Main source of funding: charitable association, income from membership and programs
pays for the facility and the staff. Licensed Childcare program receives funding from the
government
Types of clients: infants to seniors, range of people, families
Nature of programs and services: aquafit and aqua therapy for seniors, seniors enjoy
the therapeutic and social setting, 60-80 year olds come to this class, warm pool available
to them
YWCA of Peterborough, Victoria and Haliburton:

Key informant: Lynn Zimmer, Executive Director, Helen Mead, Volunteer and
Communications
History and context: established 1891, provide safe housing for women
Main source of funding: provincial government, Ministry of Community and Social
services, recently received a grant of $232, 600 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation
(2007)
Types of clients: primarily women who are experiencing abuse or violence, food
programs for low-income families, second hand clothing store open to all members of
society. Training centre for employees.
Nature of programs and services: counselling programs for abused women, cross-roads
shelter. These two programs are the busiest and most popular.
38

Volunteer Services For Seniors in Peter Borough County - Background Report

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Volunteer Services For Seniors in Peter Borough County - Background Report

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Services for Seniors in Peterborough County:

Background Report for the Volunteer Caregiving in the Countryside Project

Timothy Shah, Honours BA Student

Mark Skinner, PhD

Department of Geography, Trent University

For more information, please contact: Dr. Mark W. Skinner

1.1 Volunteer Caregiving in the Countryside project 3

2.0 Sources of Background Research 4

3.0 Baseline Information on Volunteer Services for Seniors 5

3.1 Service Providers and Services Backgrounds 5

4.0 Overview of General Challenges and Issues 11

4.1 Issues around Geographic Location 13

5.0 Summary and Concluding Comments 14

Appendix 1 Database of Organizations Providing Services for Seniors 17

Non-profit organizations and community groups, which are generally considered as

As reported in the literature, Executive Directors, Presidents, CEO’s and volunteer

Figure 1.1 Map of the County of Peterborough

1.2 Profile of Peterborough County

Peterborough’s population is growing and changing rapidly. The current population of

The proportion of Peterborough County’s senior population is rising at an unprecedented

Figure 1.2. Age Characteristics for Both Sexes in Peterborough County

2.0 Sources of Background Research

A database of agencies, organizations and groups providing services for seniors in

3.0 Baseline Information on Volunteer Services for Seniors

3.1 Service Providers and Services Background

Table 3.1 Service providers in Peterborough County

Organization type No. of Organizations Percentage

Table 3.2 Number of organizations listed by main service delivery

Service Type No. of Organizations Percentage

3.2 Changing Service Context

Type of Change No. of Percentage

By contrast, some organizations reported that seniors comprise a majority of the

Table 3.4 Changes in Service Delivery

Question No. of Orgs. Percentage

3.3 Financial Support

Financial resources play an important role for any organization or service in a

Table 3.5 Main Source of Funding

Source No. of Organizations Percentage

4.0 Overview of General Challenges and Issues

Table 4.1 Program Delivery Resource Challenges

Challenges No. of organizations Percentage

4.1 Issues around Geographic Location

Health care and outreach-oriented organizations, such as the Kawartha Participation

4.2 Funding and Staffing Issues

The funding and staff recruitment conundrum is an on-going challenge permeating

5.0 Summary and Concluding comments

As one of the nation’s largest retirement communities, Peterborough provides a whole

Websites and On-line Resources

Database of Organizations Providing Services for Seniors in Peterborough

Abuse Prevention of Older Adults Network 19

Activity Haven Senior Centre:

Alternatives Community Program Services (Peterborough) Inc:

Alzheimer Society of Peterborough and Area:

Applewood Retirement Residence:

Association of Managers of Volunteer Services:

Auburn Retirement Village of Peterborough:

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC):

Canadian Cancer Society:

Canadian Hearing Society:

Canadian Red Cross:

Canadian Snowbird Association:

Central East Community Care Access Centre:

Chemung Senior Citizens Family: